Lessons at 26 Years.

I am now almost closer to being a 30 year old than I am to being a 20 year old.

What. The. Heck.

That’s right, I’m turning 26 years old. I cannot believe how fast time has flown by. Last I knew, I was just turning 13 years old and learning how to talk with boys or 16 years old and learning how to drive a car…. Oh heck, who am I kidding, I’m still learning how to do both of those things….

Anyways! Regardless, I am happy to say that I believe that up to this point in my life, I have been very blessed with a pretty amazing life (Thank you, Jesus). I grew up in a loving home, had a great experience in high school, graduated college and have found my calling, and now I am here, going into my third year of working in the professional field and boy have I learned a TON.

I wrote a blog post about this time two years ago stating what are some of the lessons that I have learned in my 24 years of life. I got some great responses and feedback from people when I posted that blog up, which I’m thankful for. But, I have learned many more lessons just in the last 2 years. So the following lessons that I have learned are things that I personally have experienced and felt that have helped me grow in many ways.

1. Always carry a snack. My dear friend Shanna from college has given me a nickname that has stuck to this day: "Jennzilla". This name came about because she got to witness how I was when I was hungry. I get irritable, moody, and snappy. I now live my daily life either in the office, in someone’s home, or in the car and boy do I get hungry. I carry a snack or fruit with me wherever I go so that I can avoid “Jennzilla” revealing herself on the road in the middle of traffic. So just carry a snack with you wherever you go because you never know when that time will come where your hunger strikes up. Plus, it gets you in a healthy eating habit. Smaller portions, ya'll... smaller portions.
2. It’s healthy to be out of your comfort zone. I have discovered that about myself in the last two years that I don’t like to be in a “comfortable” state for too long. When there is too much comfort and familiarity, there is no growth. That is where I believe my love for traveling and meeting new people rooted from. When you are introducing yourself to new situations, scenarios, environment, or people, GROWTH TAKES PLACE.
3. Be content with WHERE you are before you decide to make a change hoping that you will be happier because of it. I believe to know the Bible to be truth because dang-a-lang, there is some good and juicy stuff in there. And the concept of being “content” is definitely one of them (Refer to Phil. 4:11-12). Last year some time, I called my brother in tears because I told him that I was unhappy with my current situation. I was unhappy that I was living in a town that was only temporary for me, I was unhappy that there was no change going on in my life, and I was unhappy with my job. My brother snapped me back to reality and said, “Stop your pity party. You have a sweet life. Learn to be content with where you are in life and opportunity will come. Stop trying to run away. If you say you are ‘unhappy’, then you will become more unhappy. STOP IT.” So I did! Last summer, my project was to focus on the blessings in my life and learn to be content where I was in life and the person that I was becoming. When you are in a state of contentment, your goals and ambitions that you have for yourself become more achievable and growth happens. Lesson learned: Learn to be content and opportunity for great things will come. 
4. Be positive! People see and feed off of it. I believe that Jesus was the best example of that. He had every excuse to be negative and reject those that rejected Him. Instead, He took on that challenge…with a smile. Make a conscience effort to be positive. Others will sense that energy and feed off of it. Just be happy, dangit.
5. In traffic, look both ways before crossing a street intersection EVEN WHEN THE LIGHT IS GREEN. If you are the first one at the street intersection and the light goes green, look both ways before crossing. You never know what idiot is going to run that red light. I have friends that almost died because they didn’t look both ways before crossing and someone ran into their car because the “light was orange”. Just look. Doesn’t cost you anything.
6. GO ON DATES. Meet new people! Don’t think too much about it. Especially you ladies… yes, that’s right… YOU LADIES. When a man asks you out for a date, realize that this man has put himself in a very vulnerable situation to ask a question knowing that there is a chance of rejection. Of course, there are exceptions to every situation. But in general, give the guy some credit. He has offered to get to know you, buy you some food, and talk. You never know, you may just develop a positive friendship out of it. Don’t humiliate him. Don’t shame him. Thank him, acknowledge that he wants to do something nice for you, and go. Get over yourself, girl and go on a date.
7. When you DO say yes on that date….. Be nice. Say thank you. Be polite. Make eye contact when you’re talking. Don’t text. Be down for adventure. And thank him again. He rocks for wanting to hang out with you, acknowledge that. Unless he was a dirt bag, then refer him to me and I’ll take care of him.
8. Develop friendships with people you can talk to Jesus about. This lesson is applicable to those that have grown up in a faith-based church at some point in their lives that have decided to continue living a faith-based life. During our 20’s, this is the age where we develop our own “ways of thinking” and suddenly decide that whatever we learned in church, we can throw out the window. So this is the age where twenty-somethings decide that having friends from church or friends that you can talk to Jesus about is not important, but it is. When we enter “real life”, this is when it is most important and vital to have positive friendships in your life so that you have someone to talk to and reflect with when it comes to trials. If you are a Jesus believer, make sure that those you keep closest to you have those same values. It makes all the difference. Be-leeee dat.
9. Maintain a friendship with your mom and dad. I work with kids that have never fully developed a positive relationship with their parents. Working in the foster care system has helped me appreciate my parents so much more because of that. Thank your parents for taking the time to raise you and care for you.
10. Eat a donut, dangit. Or whatever tickles your fancy. My personal favorite dessert pastry is a donut. Eating a dessert or something that is absolutely horrible for you once in a while will do more good than bad. If you feel like eating a cookie because you had a bad day, do it. Unless you're on a diet. Then just chew a piece of gum.
11. Have a mentor. Or two. Or three. In the last 2 years, I have made friendships with people that are significantly older and more experienced than me. But it has benefitted me in so many ways! It is so important to have people in your life that you can rely that have your best interest at heart and that have gone down the same path as you at some point. Make a conscience effort to find an adult or two that can be that person you come to for advice on career or life changes.
12. You are never too old to respect your parents. I myself have fallen short of that... even now. Sorry, mom. I love you.
13. Accept feedback. Recently, my previous employer stated that something he appreciated about having me as a worker is that I seek him out for feedback and his input on my performance at work. I go about a difficult situation the way I think is best, then the next day, I approach him and tell him how I went about it and why. I then ask if he has any feedback for me for the future. Same goes to anyone. If someone approaches you that you trust and expresses themselves to you about something you did (or didn’t do), hear them out. You don’t know it all. So get over yourself.
14. Rely on God and everything will fall into place. No explanation needed.

I am so thankful for the 26 years of life that the Lord has blessed me with. I have loved, learned, lived, cried, laughed, and put myself in college loan debt all in those 26 years of life. I am ready for many more years to come.

Now who is up for a celebratory donut?

New Change, New Job, New City!

“I’m goin, goin, back back, to Cali Cali.”

Excuse me while I release my inner Biggie Smalls.

 

But tis true, I am moving back to California. If you have known me for about the last two years, you have known that I have always been ready to relocate from Las Vegas. I knew that Las Vegas was temporary for me because since I have lived the majority of my life here already, I was ready to be somewhere else. However, in the last 2 ½ years, my life has been a nonstop rollercoaster of career, church callings, friends, family, traveling, and everything in between. In the midst of all of that, I still knew deep down that this place was all temporary.

However, I am happy to announce that I have officially accepted a job with a foster care agency in Southern California to work for them full time. I will not bore you with details (because I probably already have at some point) but long story short, it was very evident that this move and life change was God led. All of the factors and steps that needed to take place in order for this to happen took place with no problem… just as the Bible says it would if it is in line with what the Lord wants for you, that is. (Romans 8:28).

I will be moving to California (March 12) before my start date to my new job (March 17) so that I am able to settle in. I will be living in Yucaipa, CA with my brother and his wife but my office will be in Riverside, CA. I will be working as a Behavioral Specialist 1 with the agency, which means I will be working with foster children and families again that will include training on behavior modifications. I will be working with kids in the home as well as at schools.

Lord knew that this opportunity was the one that was for me and it could not have been more evident. It goes to show that when you do your part in pursuing the true desires of your heart, if those desires are put there from God, then great things will happen.

I am excited for new adventures and new people with this life change that will be taking place next week, but the term “bittersweet” cannot be more fitting. There are many people, things, responsibilities, my amazing job, family, and comfort that I will be leaving here in Las Vegas. However, I am confident knowing that the Lord will use me anywhere I go and that He will provide me with all of those same things in California. Thank you all for showing genuine interest in this life change I have made and thank you all for asking me details and congratulating me. I will miss you, Las Vegas. You were very good to me and am thankful for everything I learned and experienced my time here.

So let the new adventures begin! … Once I learn calming techniques that I will need when I hit that Cali traffic, that is...

 

2013: Another Year, Another Story to Tell

Um, is this real life? Are we already almost in 2014? I swear it was 1999 yesterday.

The year of 2013 was certainly an eventful one. From beginning to the end, there were many things that took place. If you are at all interested in what I’ve been up to this year, read further! If not, read anyways. And hey, you might be in it :)

1. To start the year off right, I got to travel out of the country for the first time! In March, one of my best gal pals Rachael and I took a trip to Ireland. It was one of the best experiences of my life and I loved being exposed to a new culture, different people, and different places. What I learned: Irish men are hot, jam is awesome, and goat cheese goes great in sandwiches. It rocked. I got to satisfy my travel craving for a bit but I’ve still strongly desired a big trip again… but that shall wait. Maybe more in 2014? (To read more about my trip, read the previous blog post!)

2. I turned 25… say what? Last I checked, I was 12 years old. How did that happen?

3. I visited another new city for the first time: Denver, CO. I was so glad I could finally visit a place that I want to move to eventually! While I was there, I was able to meet with new people, explore the city, visit the church, go hiking, and I was also able to do my first real grown up thing as a 25 year old- rent a car! It rocked. 

4. Made new friendships: You all know who you are. This summer was very eventful and a huge part was because of a lot of the new people I met this summer. Great and positive friendships were developed and my heart is happy. 

5. Work kept me extremely busy. As a member of the fundraising committee at my work, I was able to set up several fundraising events in the valley that helped raise money for our foster kids for Christmas… and oh how much fun (and exhausting) it was! Work load is increasing and responsibilities are getting bigger. Now going on almost two years at my job as a Case Manager, I am more comfortable with my job and what I do. I am tired, busy, but happy. The Lord knew that this job would fit me perfectly. 

6. I was ordained as an Elder at my church and was officially given the position as the Youth Director at my church! I have felt extremely honored and blessed to be entrusted to take on these major roles in my church and be a part of major events that took place this year (Vacation Bible School, youth rally, Family Christmas, community events, etc). I am also involved in different departments in the church so it's been quite the adventure.

7.  MY BEST FRIEND GOT MARRIED!!!!!! I was honored to be a part of her big day as maid of honor! It was awesome being a part of the wedding and to witness the marriage of my best friend and her other half. It was a beautiful occasion. 

8. MY TWIN SISTER GOT MARRIED!!!!!! I was also HER Maid of Honor! It was an incredible wedding weekend. Family from all over the country came in town to witness this huge occasion. I was so blessed and honored to also be a part of her wedding! I also loved that for once, people did NOT confuse the two of us since she was the one wearing the wedding dress ;) It was epic. It was beautiful. 

             This year involved a lot of everything: Weddings, engagements, travel (Ireland, Utah, NYC, Chicago, LA, Colorado, etc), work, tears, laughs, love, and much more. I still have my health and my amazing family that get me through the rough times and who are still my constant voice of reason. I have done a good amount of self-discovery, reflection, and learned more about myself and my goals than I ever have before. Reflecting back on this year, it is evident that each year flies by as we get older! I thought that was something only old people said, but apparently I’m old now because goodness gracious, where did the time go? Looking forward to 2014 because I have been making big and life changing plans, so stay tuned! What was the highlight of YOUR year? Was it what you expected? Happy almost- New Year to you and yours! We’re getting older but our blessings are growing bigger. Looking forward to next year. 

Cheers.

The Land of the Irish

Top of the mornin to ya, lad!

Okay sorry. I keep having to remind myself I'm not Irish.

For in case you didn't know, I went to Ireland last week! My gal pal, Rachael and I packed up our scarves, boots, and gloves and headed to the land of the Irish. The land of greenery. The land where rain never ceases. The land of hot men. The land of the nicest people you will ever met.

Before we landed in Ireland, we planned a 10 hour lay over in New York City to spend the day there. We had breakfast in Central Park, visit the Empire State Building, Rockefeller Plaza, Ground Zero, and rode the subway. It was Rachael's first time in NYC so it was exciting!

Our week in Ireland consisted of a lot of driving, site seeing, people meeting, laughs, green, sheep, rain, cold, rain, cold... and rain. What it did NOT consist of was sun, mean people, and good radio in the car. The radio in the car mainly consisted of newstalk radio and 80s music.... and the occasional traditional Irish folk music.

We took day trips and long drives to see different towns, cities, and country. The first few nights, we did not have good solid sleep because our bodies kept waking up because of the 8 hour time difference. We woke up early morning and went to sleep relatively late so we were constantly sleep deprived.... but it was fine. We're young. Whatever.

Places we visited:
Dublin
Enniskerry
Newgrange
Kilkenny
Ring of Kerry
Muckross
Kilarney
Galway
Limerick
Adare
...and random towns in between.

Here are a few photos!!!

                                        Our first night in the city.

Sweet live Irish music in Temple Bar

  Not only did we (well... Rachael) have to drive on the other side of the road, but it was manual. My friend rocked it!

 Kilkenny Castle... what a rad little town.

 

                          Just me in front of a stone hedge. I love them.

 

                                             Kilkenny, Ireland

 

                                The famous bridge in Dublin, Ireland

 

                                                Dublin, Ireland

 

                                           All smiles in the city!

 

 Umm... a cup of beer at 7am where the elevators are in our hotel. Oh Ireland.

 

                  In Newgrange... I loved this run down building. So artistic.

 

 Trim Castle--where they filmed Braveheart. I felt like such a brave heart.

 

                           Oh just me. Posing like a girl in Adare, Ireland.

 

                                 Along the Irish coast at 7am.... sheep!

 Shout out to my dear travel buddy, Rachael! I could not have asked for a better travel partner. I haven't laughed so much ever and her positive attitude made all the difference. It was phenomenal sharing this experience with you!

The people were all so friendly and always willing to help us find our way. We actually enjoyed the public transportation system there. It was raining all week while we were there which was unfortunate because we were not able to capture the beauty of it all when we took pictures. But, I prayed my heart out for at least a few hours of sun and clarity. Jesus answered my prayer and we had sun for a few hours in the morning on our last day there while we were along the coast. God is good.

I can't believe heaven is going to be more beautiful than Ireland. It's freaking mind boggling.

Things I have learned and will bring back and apply in America:

1. Be nicer with people you don't know. It's easy.
2. Be more eco friendly: There were so many smart cars and air dryers instead of  paper towels in just about every restroom, including nice restaurants. Save the environment!!
3. I, as an American, need to be more informed of the world outside of the U.S. The Irish are.... why can't I be?
4. Irish men are extremely good looking... and nice.... which makes them even more good looking.
5. Jam DOES make everything taste better.
6. According to an Irish man we met, his answer to my question when I asked him why are Irish people so friendly? He answered, "We live by the philosophy that it could always be 10x worse in life. Just move on and be happy." Done and done.
7. Their portion sizes are awesome!
8. What is the biggest city in the world? Dublin. Because it just keeps Dublin and Dublin and Dublin.... (a drunk guy that hit on us told us this joke. It was awesome.)

Thank you, Jesus for this experience. I feel very blessed that the Lord made it possible for us to make this trip happen. Answer to my prayers... literally.

Wonderful experience and I am now more anxious and excited to plan my next trip out of the country. World traveler Jenn in the making!